Originally envisioned in 1964, the initial 737-100 flew in 1967 and entered airline service in February 1968. Next the lengthened 737-200 entered service in April 1968. In the 1980s Boeing launched the -300, -400, and -500 models, subsequently referred to as the Boeing 737 Classic series. The 737 Classics added capacity and incorporated CFM56 turbofan engines along with wing improvements. In the 1990s Boeing introduced the 737 Next Generation with multiple changes including a redesigned wing, upgraded cockpit, and new interior. The 737 Next Generation comprises the four -600, -700, -800, and -900ER models, ranging from 102 ft (31.09 m) to 138 ft (42.06 m) in length. Boeing Business Jet versions of the 737 Next Generation are also produced.

1144 737-100s and 200s built, comprising 30 100s and 1114 200s,
including 19 T-43A (737-200) navigation trainers for the USAF and 104
737-200Cs. Approximately 1 737-100 and 550 737-200s remained in
commercial and corporate service in early 2005.

Type

Short range narrowbody airliner

History

The 737-100 and 200 are the first generation production models of the
world's most successful jet airliner family, Boeing's 737 twinjet.
The
737 was conceived as a short range small capacity airliner to round out
the Boeing jet airliner family beneath the 727, 720 and 707. Announced
in February 1965, the 737 was originally envisioned as a 60 to 85
seater, although following consultation with launch customer Lufthansa, a
100 seat design was settled upon. Design features included two
underwing mounted turbofans and 60% structural and systems commonality
with the 727, including the same fuselage cross section (making it wider
than the competing five abreast DC-9 and BAC-111).
The
737-100 made its first flight on April 9 1967 and entered service in
February 1968 with Lufthansa, while the last of 30 built was delivered
to Malaysia-Singapore Airlines in October 1969.
By
this time however the larger capacity 1.93m (6ft 4in) stretched 737-200
was in service after it had made its first flight on August 8 1967.
First delivery, to United, was that December.
Developments
of the -200 include the -200C convertible and quick change -200QC,
while an unprepared airfield kit was also offered. The definitive
Advanced 737-200 appeared in 1971, featuring minor aerodynamic
refinements and other improvements.
Sales
of the 737-200 far exceeded that of the shorter -100 and the 737-200
remained in production until 1988, by which time it had been superseded
by the improved 737-300, after 1114 had been built. Many have been
fitted with Stage 3 engine hushkits, and a number of passenger aircraft
have been converted with cargo doors.
The
USAF ordered 19 as navigation trainers, and some were later converted
to standard transport aircraft as CT-43A. A few other air forces
received 737-200s to serve in general transport, surveillance or VIP
transport tasks.